My first camcorder experience is a good one

Bought this for a trip to southern Africa. It is my first camcorder - I was always turned off by the idea of lugging around tapes or blank DVDs. I have used ultrazoom digital cameras for all my other trips, so I am familiar with making manual adjustments for different situations.

I was amazed at:
1) how easy the Everio was to learn and use
2) how small and light it is, and
3) the large storage capacity of the HDD.

I had to set manual adjustments for lighting and exposure a lot of the time. The AUTO setting is best when it's bright sunlight and fairly even brightness of objects - other times of the day, or when there are dark AND light objects in the field of view, you're better off using MANUAL. Video I shot at sunset and sunrise came out good with very little grain, but it is best if you use MANUAL setting and keep the camera stable.

The zoom control is pretty sensitive - takes some getting used to being careful about how fast you zoom the lens. Would have liked this model to have a light for night video rather than just a flash for still photos. The battery recharged quickly and I bought a second one from a third party. The battery life is as advertised, which isn't bad considering the power it must take to run the big LCD display and the hard drive.

I think the video quality is excellent. Incorporated the video along with digital stills into a travel DVD we produced. The quality when displayed on my large LCD flat panel TV is great. (Remember though that this is NOT an HD camcorder.)
On my trip, I ran into a fellow who had the new Everio model with the 3CCD sensors. Our videos of the same scenes looked very similar in quality.
It's simple to edit the video files with the supplied Cyberlink software. Upgrade to the full version is reasonably priced compared to buying Adobe Premiere Elements.
Overall, I thought this was a good first camcorder purchase. I'll carry it along on other trips

JVC Everio GZMG77 2.0MP CCD 30GB HDD Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom
From: JVC $631.99
The GZ-MG77 Everio Hard Drive Camcorder you can record all the stuff that makes life more fun. Whether you're recording the family football game or your child's first play, the 1//3.9" 2.1 MegaPixel CCD gets every part of the action. The 32x optical & 800x Digital Hyper Zoom lets you record every event, and the 2.7" LCD monitor lets you preview while you record. The built-in 30GB hard drive lets you record everything without having to carry tapes or memory cards; you can then transfer directly to a computer through the USB port, at an incredible 12x transfer rate. Share the highlights of your life more easily with the GZ-MG77 Everio Hard Drive Camcorder. 30GB hard drive 540 lines of resolution 16 - 9 video mode (high-quality) Digital still capture (1600x1200) Built-in DVD control (share station) SD card slot USB 2.0 12x transfer rate Auto illumination light Power-linked operation Includes remote control Built-in flash PictBridge compatible Data battery (VF714) Multi-language controls (4 languages) Stick controller button MPEG editing, Cyberlink & Photo Navigator software included

Spectacular Video Quality!

I'm by no means an expert, but I really wanted a reasonably priced video camera that could produce the highest quality picture for the price. I did a TON of research and landed on the AG-DVC30 after much agonizing over "to HD or not HD" as well as brands and features. Based on all the reviews I read, this camera seemed to offer the most features and the best video for the money. I have not been disappointed. On my first outing, I took the cam to the Grand Canyon and Sedona. Wow! What incredible color and clarity! I also really love the 16x zoom. It's smooth and powerful. I got great shots of the Colorado River from the rim of the Grand Canyon. I'll agree with all reviewers that the audio is not great. It is not super sensitive so you lose sound if not quite close to the subject. If you're interested in good audio, I'd suggest an optional mic. If you just want great video, awesome color, and ease of use, this is your camera. At the price (plus the rebate) you really can't beat it.

Panasonic Pro AG-DVC30 3-CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/16x Optical Zoom $1,759.02
From: Panasonic
The AG-DVC30's Leica Dicomar 16x optical zoom lens answers a broad range of shooting needs, delivering superb results from 39.5mm wide angle all the way to 632mm telephoto (both 35mm lens equivalents). In wide-angle performance--critical in broadcast and other professional applications--this lens is top of its class. Behind this outstanding performance are the advanced optical technologies and expertise that have made Leica Camera AG one of the most respected names in the camera world.

The Leica Dicomar lens is first in its class in wide-angle performance.

This new 16x optical zoom lens system uses low-dispersion glass and aspherical lenses to reduce color aberration and boost resolution. Use of a special multicoating process dramatically reduces flare and ghosts. The result: sharp, crisp, beautifully rendered pictures with vivid colors, delicate nuances, and exceptional shading.

The advanced OIS system eliminates image blur caused by natural hand-shake.

Optical Image Stabilizer Compensates for Natural Hand-Shake
The AG-DVC30's advanced Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) compensates for hand shaking that occurs as you shoot. A gyrosensor detects hand-shake and sends signals to a linear motor, which adjusts the lens to compensate. Because this process takes place prior to the CCD image capture (rather than in the downstream electronic processing), it virtually eliminates any effect of hand-shake on resolution and screen angle. The OIS can also be helpful when zooming or shooting in dim lighting.

1/4-Inch, 410,000-Pixel 3CCD Image System: High Sensitivity, Low Noise
To ensure a level of picture quality suitable for professionals, the AG-DVC30 uses a 3CCD image system that delivers the highest sensitivity in its class. Its high S/N ratio and extremely low noise (in darker areas of a picture) combines with high sensitivity to deliver excellent image quality even when shooting indoors under dim lighting. When shooting in sunlight or under bright spotlights, this 3CCD system offers low smear.

The AG-DVC30's 3CCD image system delivers high signal-to-noise ratio and excellent image quality.

12-bit A/D and RGB Gamma Processor
The AG-DVC30 features an A/D converter that uses the same 12-bit processing as broadcast-quality camera-recorders. This, combined with an RGB gamma processor that uses Panasonic's unique gamma-curve function, helps assure high image-quality processing. In fact, the AG-DVC30's A/D converter and RGB gamma processor are the same ones used in the popular AG-DVX100A, which has won acclaim as the industry's highest-image-quality DV camera.

Movie-Simulation Mode
The AG-DVC30 can capture and reproduce images that are strikingly similar in tone to film images, thanks to Panasonic's unique Cine-Like gamma curve and a 30-frames-per-second recording function that electronically interpolates interlaced images to create frames with no time differences between fields. Settings for this mode are preset in the Movie-Like scene file.

High-Sensitivity Slow Shutter
The slow shutter function uses image accumulation to allow shutter speeds with frame rates reduced by half or more. The accumulation method provides bright-color images with less noise than those captured using conventional gain-up, so you get the higher sensitivity needed for nighttime shooting without illumination. The slow shutter function can also be used to obtain movie-like effects.

16:9 Widescreen Recording
The aspect ratio can be set to either 4:3 or 16:9 to accommodate wide-image recording. In 16:9 recording, you can select either letterbox or squeeze mode, giving you more possibilities in downstream editing and playback.

An image shot using Zero Lux IR mode and featuring the date/time display.

Zero Lux IR Mode: Super Nighttime Shooting System
The AG-DVC30 is the world's first 3CCD camcorder to offer black-and-white recording in the dark using infrared light. This featre opens the door to a host of new possibilities in nighttime monitoring, surveillance, and news gathering. The built-in infrared light makes it possible to record at a distance of about 16 feet.

Professional Audio Quality with XLR Mic (Optional)
The AG-DVC30 comes equipped with a built-in stereo microphone. Adding the optional AG-MYA30G XLR adapter provides you with +48 V phantom mic and line input needed for news gathering. Featuring two XLR audio input terminals and level controls, the adapter lets you independently switch channel 1 or channel 2 to mic or line input, with each having its own "glow in the dark" level adjustment.

Audio Level Meters
Two color audio level meters can be displayed in the viewfinder and LCD monitor, making it easy to check the signal as you record.

Full Auto or Manual Shooting
Use the AG-DVC30 for either full auto or manual shooting. The Auto/Manual switch turns the four auto functions--focus, shutter speed, iris and gain, and white balance--on and off as desired. Manual focusing is controlled by the large focus ring. You can also switch between manual and auto focus by pushing the Focus button. For added convenience, one of the user buttons can be assigned to turn autofocus on and off.

3.5-inch Color LCD Monitor and Tilt-Up Viewfinder
The large 3.5-inch color LCD monitor rotates 270 degrees, making it easy to shoot at difficult angles, and the Mirror mode makes it easy to record yourself. The display is bright, too, so even outdoors you get good visibility when using the LCD to monitor footage or to select settings from the menu. For added ease of use when taking low-angle shots, you also can tilt the viewfinder 70 degrees upward.

Magnesium Alloy Chassis
Designed for professionals, the AG-DVC30 boasts the same tough magnesium alloy diecast chassis as do the DVCPRO broadcast models. This rigid casing protects the high-precision components from bumps and jolts, helps shield out interface, and provides the AG-DVC30 with the reliability and durability needed for active field use.

Automatic Head Cleaning
The AG-DVC30 provides the same head-cleaning function as do the DVCPRO models. The white roller pad positioned to the right of the head cylinder cleans the head each time you load a tape, helping to minimize dropouts and head clogging.

IEEE 1394 Terminal with Synchro Lock
An IEEE 1394-compliant 4-pin DV terminal makes it easy to upload data from the AG-DVC30 or to dub footage onto a DV recorder. This terminal also features a new synchro lock function that lets you use the AG-DVC30 to remotely start and stop an external DV device. Three recording modes help protect against mistakes: record onto external recorder only, record onto both AG-DVC30 and external recorder, and begin external recording when the AG-DVC30 tape ends.

Versatile Performance
Total mobility? Easy carrying? Or advanced audio specs? With the multistyle handle, the choice is yours. Designed with the professional in mind, the AG-DVC30 introduces a new detachable handle that adds versatility by letting you use this compact DV camera three different ways.

• Style 1: With handle detached, this super-compact 3CCD camera fits easily into a bag or pack for highest mobility.
• Style 2: With handle in place, the AG-DVC30 is easy to carry and easy to use, even when shooting at difficult angles.
• Style 3: With the optional XLR adapter mounted on the handle, the AG-DVC30 has outstanding audio specs, plus the ability to add two external phantom mics or line inputs with "glow in the dark" level controls.

MiniDV Format
The MiniDV format offers more precise image detail and color accuracy than was previously possible with analog camcorders. The superior quality of digital video results from:

• Higher resolution: Up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution on select models for sharper picture detail
• Component color sampling: Preserves three times more color information than does analog VHS or S-VHS video, for brighter and truer colors
• Time base correction: Stabilizes the picture, eliminating video jitters
• Error correction: Fills in missing video data, providing seamless, professional-looking video

Some of these reviewers aren't even real people

Alright, so I've been reading some of the reviews that people have put in here about this camera, and I just want to offer up the nice statement that "If you gave this camera 3 stars or less, you're a retard." I'm pretty sure amazon won't allow me to say it, but it's true! This camera is so freakin' great! I own this one and the xl1s, and this is my "toy" camera. I'm just a 24 year old kid, so maybe my opinion means nothing to you. If so, then stop reading this. No one asked you to, anyway.

This camera sells itself. Compare it to some others in the same category (make sure you're checking out the GL2 and not the predecessor GL1). The $2999 asking price here is way too high, though. Shop around, and you should be able to find a new one for about $1750 or so. That and the extended warranty that covers cleanings once a year. SO worth the money. I take her (my camera ... her name is "Mandy") everywhere, and I've already made enough short movies for people to have her pay for herself. And she can take a beating, too. I took her from 75 degrees at 8,000ft above sea level to 23 degrees at 12,000ft in less than 6 minutes time and she didn't complain at all. She was a definite plus for our snowboarding trip!

Tired of reading all of those specs that may not make sense to you right now? This camera is usable by someone who has never used a camera (which was me before I made my purchase), and adjustable to have everything completely manual.

My only qualm is the "noise" in LOW LOW light. That should be expected, though. For that I use the xl1s ("Jessica"), but don't let that stop you from your purchase of this. This camera is incredible! I seriously love it.

Canon GL2 MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom $2,110.00
From: Canon
The Canon GL2 (like its predecessor, the GL1, and its big brother, the XL1) is helping to blur the line between consumer and professional video equipment. This camcorder borrows most of those cameras' professional-quality components and puts them into a more compact, affordable camera. Though it's small enough to carry around and doesn't cost much more than a top-of-the-line consumer camcorder, the GL2 produces such high-quality results that it could be used as a broadcast video camera.

The 3 CCD System
The GL2 maximizes the capability of the DV format by using a 3 CCD (charge-coupled device) system with a separate CCD for each primary color (red, green, blue). A beam-splitting prism separates light passing through the lens into individual color components and each is sent to its own CCD. Compared to a single CCD, the 3 CCD system achieves outstanding detail with highly accurate color reproduction suitable for the demands of high-end video production - wide dynamic range, low color noise, high-contrast detail, natural color resolution and low-aliasing. The 3 CCD system also makes advanced Pixel Shift (for increased image quality) and Low Light Recording (for increased flexibility) possible.

Professional L-Series Fluorite Lens
Canon has satisfied the demands of experienced image makers for years through the power, design and quality of 35mm and broadcast TV lenses. Canon's Professional L-Series lenses utilize Fluorite, a material which provides outstanding resolution, contrast, and color reproduction- especially in lightweight, high-magnification lenses. Incorporated into the lens on the GL2, Fluorite delivers the ultimate in clarity and image quality. The Fluorite element inside the lens defeats color aberration -- the effect when the components of light stray from one another within a lens, causing a reduction in sharpness, contrast and color. The Fluorite lens precisely controls components of light providing an excellent balance of these three critical ingredients of picture quality. This is unobtainable with conventional optical glass.

To further improve image detail, Canon has intentionally shifted the green CCD (which contains 60 percent of the picture detail) half a pixel horizontally and vertically. This shift allows more accurate interpolation, resulting in an image that Canon claims rivals those from cameras with 410,000-pixel CCDs. Each pixel is 72 square microns, which is about 1.5 times the size as those in competing camcorders. This increased size increases light sensitivity, allowing you to shoot in low-light situations. All this results in outstanding detail, with highly accurate color reproduction suitable for the demands of high-end video production. The GL2 also incorporates a 20x Professional L-Series fluorite optical zoom lens, which is equivalent to 39.5-790mm, as well as a 100x digital zoom.

Audio
The GL2's omni-directional microphone is designed to deliver realistic stereo sound. Using the GL2's advanced accessory shoe expands your audio options. Audio can be recorded in 16-bit mode on two channels on one track. Alternatively, audio can be record in 12-bit mode, where the audio track is divided into two, and two channels of audio are recorded onto one track, with the other left over for audio dubbing.

Optical Image Stabilizer
Canon's superb optical stabilization system corrects camera shake instantly so even hand held shots, at full telephoto, and shots taken from a moving car, are smooth and steady. And since it is optical, there is no loss of image quality inevitable with electronic image stabilizers. It perfectly complements the high picture quality of the DV format.

Digital Stills
You can turn your GL2 into a still camera by switching to 1.7-megapixel photo mode and capturing high-resolution still images onto the camcorder's MultiMedia/Secure Digital card. (One 8 MB Secure Digital card is included with the GL2.) The full-frame images are free from time-lag blur. A six-blade circular iris, as found on Canon's top-of-the-line XL1 and XL1S models, is used for professional exposure control, helping to deliver stunning video and still photos.

Inputs and Outputs
The GL2 comes with the standard DV IEEE 1394 port (also known as FireWire) for a super-fast, lossless connection to a PC or other DV machines. You can also connect to your PC via a USB connection to download still photos. The GL2 is designed to handle two types of analog input and output: using audio/video cables (composite) or S-video. Both connections are on the camera back.

More Features

• Three shooting modes: normal movie mode, digital photo mode, and the cinema-like frame movie mode.
• The Custom Key function lets you create and save your own custom settings so your common shooting modes can be readily duplicated.
• Digital effects are offered for a greater imaging variety, including fader, sepia, strobe motion, and black and white.
• With the Interval Timer function, you can record for a selected time with a selected interval--convenient for nature observations such as flowers or sunsets.

MiniDV Format
The Canon GL2 digital video camcorder uses the standard MiniDV cassette, producing the highest quality video possible from nonbroadcast equipment. The MiniDV format standard delivers more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution. And, because it records both video and audio as digital data, this information can be transferred--without any loss of picture or audio quality--to a computer for editing, then transferred back to DV tape, without a reduction in either picture or audio quality.

Feature by feature, the Canon GL2 raises the bar against which future camcorders will be judged. With precision optics, superior digital processing, and a sleek innovative design, the GL2 fully complements the user's vision and passion for excellence. Selectable 4 - 3 & 16 - 9 Aspect Ratios 7 Exposure Modes easily accessed by turning Program Dial Analog Input via composite A/V or S-Video Rapid, lossless video & audio transfer via integrated USB & 4-Pin IEEE-1394 FireWire port Stores still images on MultiMediaCards ( MMC ) or Secure Digital ( SD ) cards ( 8MB SD Card included) Also includes - BP-915 Battery Pack, Power Adapter, DC Coupler, Shoulder Strap, Wireless Controller, S-Video, Stereo Composite USB cables, Software, Lens Hood Dimensions - 4 5/8 x 5 3/8 x 12

Excellent digital camcorder at a great price!

I've owned my ZR 500 now for about two weeks, so I have yet to really delve deeply into all that it can do. It is my first digital camcorder I've ever owned.

So far, I am very impressed with this camera. It is so small it fits in the palm of your hand. It is also very light weight. Makes my Sony analog camcorder look and feel like a monster!

The "play", "rewind", etc. functions are located ON the viewing screen itself in the form of a tiny "joy stick" - they're not actual buttons on the outside of the body. This took me about a minute to get accustomed to. I am used to having these buttons ON the camera itself. This tiny joy stick handles ALL actions and menu functions on the camera - except for "record", of course.

Another thing I like about this camera is that the lense cap is not attached by a string. The "cap" opens and shuts over the lense via a slider located near the lense. No more annoying lense cap dangling all over the place while you are recording!

The battery that comes with the camera is ok. It doesn't hold a charge for very long before you need to re-charge it. But, it does re-charge very quickly.

All in all, I feel that I made an excellent choice for my first digital camcorders Although there are a few things you'll need to get used to coming off of a typical analog camcorder, you will not be disappointed. I am giving it four stars and not five as I'd have to assume there are better cameras out there... but I'd have had to spend a lot more for them.

Upon using this camcorder a little more, and transfering video to iMovie, etc., I find that there is a bit of motor noise audible during playback. This is the one negative I have to say about this camera. I believe this issue has been addressed with the newer ZR600(?). Still, all in all, a good Mini DV camcorder.

Canon ZR500 MiniDV Camcorder with 25x Optical Zoom $222.88
Along with its stylish Blue Mist finish, the ZR500 boasts Canon's longest zoom ever. It also comes with features found on more expensive camcorders. An easy-to-read menu system makes it a breeze to operate. The joystick lets you easily operate playback, focus, exposure and menu options with a single controller. And a big 2.7" LCD lets you lets you see exactly what your camcorder is recording.

You want your memories to last forever -- that's why you've taken the time to capture them. And you want to shoot in widescreen format to get everything you can out of your new widescreen TV or home theater system. So, why is the way you record widescreen images so important? Because you want an image made for widescreen, not adapted for widescreen. Because every HD television is widescreen -- widescreen is the future. The story of how it is done may be a bit technical, but the result is clear to see. Canon camcorders use the entire width of the image sensor to capture video in true 16:9 format. What difference does this make? It's simple. With more pixels captured, you get better image quality. Some competitors' camcorders force the wider picture into a smaller space on the sensor -- giving you a less true image, with fewer pixels and lower quality. With a Canon camcorder, your videos of your travels will let you relive great memories.

With the ZR500's AE Mode, you select from a variety of exposure or scene modes for the best results under difficult lighting conditions, including: EASY, P, Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, Fireworks. For example, the Sports setting automatically selects a faster shutter speed, ensuring sharp images of your child's hockey game; and Sand and Snow settings compensate when shooting a subject against a bright background. Minimum Illumination 2 lux (Night Mode); More than 100 lux advised Unit Dimensions - 1.9 x 3.6 x 4.5 in. (49 x 92 x 115 mm) (excluding protrusions

A Wonderful Camera

I am very happy with the new camcorder. Buy one. I had first ordered a Panasonic VDR-D300 Mini DVD camcorder. It used the small DVDs and only stored 18 minutes on each one. Reading the manual told me I did not want that camera, so I returned it for Amazon (I love their service) and purchased the Sony-SR100

I took practice shots outside and inside, zoomed in and out, took close ups of flowers both in wide angle where you can get to 1/2 inch away and telephoto that you must be 2 feet away. Everything was always in perfect focus.

Each scene shows up on the LCD as a thumbnail. You can play time all or anyone of them, you can play the last scene instantly after you take it and delete if you want. You can make a play list by selecting only those scenes you want to play, and if you want you can rearrange the scenes in any order you want. Still pictures also are shown as thumbnails. You select which one you want to see.

This is all done on the LCD screen, which is a touch screen.

I then plugged into my 60 inch TV and played the pictures. They were crystal clear. MUCH better than those still pictures I took in Africa with my 6 Mega pixel Minolta. Those look good on computer, or printed, but not so hot on TV.

I then plugged the camera into laptop and made a DVD of all the scenes on the hard drive without loading them into the computer first. I then played the DVD on the TV and it was the same as when directly from the camera

I then imported all the images camcorder hard drive into the computer and edited them. You can delete or edit them as you wish. Each scene shows as a thumbnail and you can play each one. You can also cut out frames or a group of frames.

Great camera and easy to use. I figured out all of the above in about an hour.
If a person does not wish to edit, then you just point and shoot and put all the unedited pictures on a DVD and that is it.

The 30 gig hard drive will hold 7 hours of pictures, so that is more than enough for a long trip. I have two lithium batteries that each last about 120 minutes. They recharge in two hours. As you take pictures the readout is always showing you how much time you have left on the battery.

I am sure on my travels I will be taking mostly video and also still pictures with my 6 megapixle camera but a lot less of those than before.

This camera also takes still pictures and it also has a flash. They seem to be good quality when viewed on the TV.

For pictures when it is very dark, it has an infrared light. I have not tested that.

This is an amazing product, and I find dealing with Amazon to be the best. I had one price for this camera $300 less, but when I tried to buy it, they called and asked if I wanted the parts other than the body. They tried to offer it to me complete for $100 less then Amazon, but after that sad experience, I did not want to do business with them.

Sony DCR-SR100 3MP 30GB Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom $809.99
From: Sony
The Sony DCR-SR100 30GB HandyCam Camcorder saves you time, money and space by recording stills and videos internally. Its built-in 30GB hard drive stores all your imaging - connect the camcorder to any PictBridge-enabled printer and print out your 3.0 MegaPixel stills instantly. Your home movies come to life with 5.1 channel sound recording, while the large 2.7" LCD screen lets you monitor or playback stills or video. You can even preview in 16:9 mode. The Progresive Shutter System gives you progressive-scan performance for excellent definition, while the Super SteadyShot(R) and Super NightShot(R) features help you take shake-free shots & video that look great in the lowest light. On-screen navigation makes using the DCR-SR100 a snap, and the Active Interface Shoe lets you connect optional accessories for all your video needs. Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens Super SteadyShot(R) picture stabilization Super NightShot(R) Infrared Progressive Shutter System Shutter Speeds - Auto, 1/2-1/4000 sec. (AE Mode) Focal Distance - 5.1 - 51mm Filter Diameter - 30mm Touch Panel Exposure Full Range Auto and Manual Focus Multiple picture and fader effects Programmed Auto Exposure modes - Beach & Ski, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Lesson, Spotlight, Sunset & Moon On-screen zoom & record buttons Built-in 5.1 channel microphone Active Interface Shoe USB 2.0 PictBridge compatible S-Video in/out (optional) Operating Systems - Windows 2000 Pro, XP Home and Pro Battery - InfoLithium(R) with AccuPower(TM) Meter System Dimensions - 3-1/6 x 2-7/8 x 5-13/15 (80.5 x 68.5 x 149 mm) Weight - 1 lb, 6 oz. (615 g) with tape & battery

From the Manufacturer:
The compact Sony DCR-SR100 30 GB Handycam Camcorder represents a breakthrough in digital home recording. With a 30 gigabyte hard disk drive that stores hours of video and hundreds of high-quality stills, a 10x optical/120x digital zoom, a built-in microphone that allows you to record in Dolby Digital 5.1ch surround sound, and many other features you'd only expect to find in the hands of professionals, Sony's DCR-SR100 will turn your home videos into instant classics ready for the big screen.

A USB 2.0 interface provides easy connection to a computer for video and still-image transfer.

An Amazing 30 Gigabytes of Storage
With the Sony DCR-SR100, your worries about storage capacity are over. Featuring an unbelievable 30 gigabyte hard disk drive, this camcorder can store up to 440 minutes of high quality video, and an amazing 1250 minutes (that's over 20 hours) of video in long play mode. That's practically your whole vacation! If you want to take digital stills, you can capture images up to 2016 x 1512 resolution directly onto your hard drive for easy transfer to your PC. Simply connect you camcorder to a PictBridge-enabled printer and print your 3.0-megapixel stills instantly. A USB 2.0 interface provides an easy way to connect your camcorder to your computer for fast transfer of video and still images to your computer for editing. You can also use the camcorder as an external storage device, for convenient archiving, storing, and transporting of your videos and still images.

High-quality Zeiss optics ensure you'll get the most from SR100's 3.0-megapixel CCD and 10x optical zoom.

High-Quality Optics and Easy-to-Use Features
At the heart to the DCR-SR100 is a 3.0-megapixel, 1/3-inch advanced Hole Accumulation Diode (HAD) CCD with a total of 2048 megapixels. Add to this the camcorder's professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lenses with advanced optical multi-layer coating, and the result will be some of the finest video performance you'll find in any camcorder device. The multi-coated lenses mean that your videos won't suffer from unwanted glare and flare that lesser quality optics give you. Sony has also added an advanced version of its SteadyShot system that controls an even higher range of shake and vibration frequencies, so that you can achieve increased smoothness in your shots without unwanted video degradation. The overall results of these features are vivid and brilliant images and video with true-to-life color saturation and tones.

All these professional-level features, however, don't mean that you need to have an advanced degree to operate the DCR-SR100. Not by a long shot. The camcorder features zoom and record buttons directly on the frame of the LCD screen. The locations of the buttons gives you more flexibility and a higher level of convenience when you're holding the camcorder, especially during overhead or low-angle shots. The 1200x total zoom means that you can keep your distance as you archive up-close and personal shots. One-touch wide-angle shooting gives you single-button convenience when you want to switch between 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios for shooting. The camcorder's manual focus allows you to adjust the focus via the touchpanel, giving you greater control over situations where either the environment or the subject does not allow the camcorder's autofocus to perform optimally, such as when shooting through a window or in a crowded environment.

With Sony's NightShot infrared system, you also have the ability to capture video in total darkness (0 Lux) up to 10 feet away. Super NightShot recording mode automatically adjusts the shutter speed to increase picture brightness and clarity. The camcorder's Color Slow Shutter mode allows you to record in low light situations with full-color detail by slowing down the shutter speed. And, of course, for the easiest and most convenient recording, the DCR-SR100 also features several auto-exposure modes, such as beach and ski, landscape portrait, sunset and moon, sports, and much more. Just choose a mode and begin shooting. It couldn't be any easier.

A 2.7-inch LCD highlights the SR-100's ultracompact size.

Surround Sound Recording for a Big Theater Experience
With Dolby Digital 5.1-channel recording, the DCR-SR100 will record in surround sound via its built-in microphone. By recording in 5.1-channel surround sound, you can experience your home movies with active sounds coming from all directions, just as if you were at the movies.

The camcorder's 2.7-inch LCD display screen provides excellent viewing clarity for when its time to review your video. The high-resolution 123 kilobyte pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles and provides sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback. The display's widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier. And at a mere 22 ounces with the battery, and measuring 3.16 by 2.87 by 5.86 inches (H x W x L), the DCR-SR100 is ready to go wherever your filming takes you.

Canon Elura 100 MiniDV Camcorder

I've had this camcorder for 2 months now and use it several times a week. I have to say -- coming from the Sony world of camcorders -- that the Elura is far superior. The only thing I miss in my Sony is the touch-screen control, but the joystick of the Canon works just fine. I was in Prague in August when my Sony simply upped and died on me -- and it would have cost more to repair than the camcorder was worth. Very pissed, I used my Canon (Elph) digital camera to take movies (in addition to the stills it was already taking) and came home with some good movie footage that I stitched together using Windows MovieMaker. But that's not what I bargained for.

Now I own the Canon Elura 100, and I've been using it hard for 60+ days, and have downloaded (via FireWire) tons of footage, and most of it shot at 16:9 widescreen. And it's GREAT! Especially for its price, the Elura is a no-brainer. I don't seem to suffer from the motor noise I keep reading about. Ninety percent of my shooting is regular daylight, and I use all the effects and controls available (especially the fun "mirror" effect), and this little thing is a charmer. Kids and excursions, family dinners and high-school outings, flying kites and visiting relatives -- these are the things we use our camcorders for. I am one happy fan of the Elura 100.

While I don't yet own a Mac with iDVD (check in with me next month!), I have been making cool videos with the free Windows MovieMaker and with Adobe Premiere Elements. This is why god made computers -- so we can have some control over our lived lives and depict our roles, families, loves, and travels for the generations to come. The Elura 100 rules.

Canon Elura 100 MiniDV Camcorder $306.89
From: Canon

• Features true widescreen recording and powerful 20x optical zoom
• Widescreen 2.7-inch LCD
• Canon's Digic DV image processor for exceptional color and clarity
• Smooth Zoom Control function prevents jerky zooms
• SD memory card slot for capturing stills
• Canon SC-A50 Camcorder Soft Leather Carrying Case for ZR, Elura, Optura & DVD Camcorders
• Canon Video Light for Canon Camcorders
• Canon DVME60 60 Minute MiniDV Digital Videocassette
• Samsonite Journey Camcorder Bag for Most Camcorders
• Canon DVM-CL DV Head Cleaning Cassette